Keep Moving Forward

Michael Walter, a noted contributor to the DJ industry, recently posted on the Disc Jockey News Writers Facebook page: “I just read my copy of the October issue cover to cover and I wanted to say Kudos. The content and advice in all the articles is superb. John and Lori Young (publishers) you both do an amazing job each and every month.”

It says something that Michael Walter, the guy who has written a book on how to successfully run a large multi-op DJ business (RunningYour Multi-Op), the guy who has been a keynote speaker at every major disc jockey convention and seminar in the country, is still reading publications from cover to cover in search of that one bit of advice or nugget that will help him continue to improve.

Likewise, Peter Merry, who may be regarded as the closest thing to a celebrity that exists in the Mobile DJ industry, is also a regular reader. Like Michael, he has written a book (The Best Wedding Reception Ever), has spoken at every major DJ convention in the country, and has appeared at many other wedding professional-related seminars. He has been interviewed on radio and television shows, been the president of the American Disc Jockey Association, toured the country presenting for that group, and, probably most notably, is paid a hefty figure for his DJ services. Yet last year, Peter was sitting cross-legged  on the floor with a group of us at the 2011 Disc Jockey Conclave the night before making his presentation. Not only did he attend the presentations, but he also took part in the interactive games and even joined us all the following evening for a Juicy Lucy. As successful and accomplished as Peter Merry is, he is not too proud to try and learn something new. He still considers himself one of the guys.

You’re probably catching the theme here: Michael and Peter are an example of many other industry leaders. They don’t simply rest on their past successes. Instead, they continue to look for ways to improve. They live by the code that the biggest room in the world is the room for improvement.  It’s a code I try to follow as well. In the past I have been to countless seminars on sales, customer service, social media and technology, both on the local level and the national stage. In addition, I am eagerly anticipating my first trip to the nationally acclaimed Mobile Beat Las Vegas DJ Show in February. The way I see it, even after 21 years, I still don’t know everything there is to know about being a small business owner  - or even a DJ. The truth is, I probably never will. However, one thing I do know is that when I’ve given up the quest to learn more and keep improving, then I’ve given up the opportunity to create a better business and a better lifestyle for myself and my family.

Seventeenth-century political leader Oliver Cromwell once said that “he who stops being better, stops being good.” Amen to that. Many professions, from teaching to nursing, regularly need to update their training to stay current in their chosen fields. If I aim to be considered a true professional in my field shouldn’t I do the same?

Unti next time,
~ Mike ~

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More Quotes

I just spent a few days in Minneapolis at the DJ Conclave 2.0 produced by John Young and the Disc Jockey News. Besides the great information I picked up I also got some great sound bites, and although they are not from famous celebrities or public figures like those quotes that I had posted in an earlier blog, I found them inspirational and humorous none the less:

· “You want them to get that you care.”

· “If you don’t have anything to say—don’t say anything.”

· “We had a memory coach here last year. Ironically I can’t remember his name!”

· “If you’re getting nowhere with your e-mail, do something different.”

· “We have to get people to dance! We have to get white people to dance!!”

· “Wealth is not what you make, it’s what you keep.”

· “It’s not about what you do the best—it’s about what they want the most.”

· “We sell happiness.”

· “Telling someone they’re not your ideal client is like breaking up with your girlfriend. It’s not easy.”

· “Being the best is not a destination—it’s a journey.”

· “Don’t be noise, be purposeful.”

Until next time . . .
~ Mike ~

My New Gig

On November 1st the first, of what I hope to be many columns, appeared in The Disc Jockey News, a monthly trade paper that covers Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa Nebraska and the Dakotas. After 20 years behind a turntable/CD player/Laptop (next up?) I hope I've learned a few things that I can pass on to the next generation of DJs/Entertainment Directors. The 'angle' that I will be coming from is: life is a big lesson, and we can utilize many of those everyday learning opportunities and apply it to our business to enrich and enhance it.

Next week I will be traveling to Minneapolis to meet John Young, the publisher of the DJNews, and attend the DJ Conclave, a gathering of mostly midwestern DJs. There I will attend seminars, meet fellow jocks and check out the latest technology in our industry in my never ending quest to keep improving myself and find the latest trends that will help fulfill the expectations of our future clients.

Until Next time
~ Mike ~